'Scandal' cast gets mannequin treatment at store

This Oct. 2, 2013 photo released by ABC shows actress Kerry Washington posing next to a mannequin in a tuxedo, part of an installation honoring the TV series "Scandal," at Saks 5th Avenue in New York. The season premiere airs Thursday, Oct. 3 at 10 p.m. EST on ABC. (AP Photo/ABC, Lou Rocco)

October 3, 2013 11:24:45 AM PDT

ALICIA RANCILIO Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) - October 3, 2013 --

"Gladiators in suits" is the term for the characters of ABC's "Scandal" who work for Kerry Washington's character, Olivia Pope, but Wednesday in New York it was all about gladiators in stores.

Cast members gathered for both a party and the unveiling of mannequins inspired by their characters in the windows of Saks Fifth Avenue.

"It's thrilling," said Washington, who curated the installation with the television show's costume designer, Lyn Paolo. "When I landed at one in the morning I came straight here from the airport because I was dying to see the final product from all these phone calls and brainstorming sessions, and it's really thrilling."

Co-star Darby Stanchfield shared a funny story about how she found out about the promotion: "My hair stylist on the show said, 'Um, babe, we need to cut an inch off your hair because they're going to match a wig. I was like, 'What's this for? Who's making a wig of my hair?'"

"Scandal" centers on Pope, a crisis management expert in Washington, D.C. She also happens to be having an affair with the president of the United States, played by Tony Goldwyn.

"It's a D.C. show and it's a D.C. world and yet it is making fashion statements," said actress Katie Lowes. "I think that's rare and I think obviously it's being celebrated and I'm just honored to be a small part of it."

Washington and actor Scott Foley even stepped inside the window displays to check out their mannequins, much to the delight of those passing by who quickly started snapping photos.

The mannequins are wearing clothing by designers the show has used like Giorgio Armani, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and Carolina Herrera.

"Scandal" premieres Thursday at 10 p.m. EDT. The stars couldn't give away spoilers but did say to expect the unexpected.

"These writers are not backing down at all," Washington said with a laugh.

"There are so many great moments so far ... moments where at the (script reading) I couldn't pick my jaw up off the floor," added Foley.

Saks stores in Beverly Hills, Calif., and Chevy Chase, Md., also have the window displays.